A MAN was floored by a passer-by after assaulting his wife during a New Year's Eve bust-up a court heard yesterday.

Ronald Smith pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife Janet. Smith, of Maes Arthur, Bruton Park, Rhyl, was given a two-year community order with supervision, and told to attend a programme to combat domestic abuse.

He was also ordered to pay £150 costs.

Sarah Badrawy, prosecuting, told Prestatyn magistrates the couple started arguing at a party in Seabank Road, Rhyl, where he called her "a prostitute, tart and slag".

Smith, who had drunk a lot, then went to his knees and told her he loved her, but when she refused to forgive him he threatened to punch her. Outside, he grabbed her by the neck and was then punched by a passer-by.

David Jones, defending, said the couple had been married for 11 years and although they were now living apart they were still on good terms.